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Service Members, Veterans & Their Families

Alpha Omega hosts inaugural Military Masquerade for veterans

Commercial Appeal - 3/17/2017

March 17--Alpha Omega Veterans Services, a nonprofit charitable organization that helps hopeless and disabled military, hosted its first Military Masquerade on Feb. 25 at the Annesdale Mansion. More than $40,000 was raised at the event, which drew 200 people, said Stephanie Beliles, fundraising chairwoman on the organization's board.

A dinner prepared by Kelly for nine people went for $11,000 in the live auction, Stephanie said.

The event also included a silent auction, complimentary cigars and a bead throw. Music was provided by Sensations and Memphis Second Line Jazz Band.

'Rock the River'

About 400 people helped "Rock the River" -- the theme of the Hands of Hope Auction Party, held Feb. 25 at the Halloran Center. A total of $167,000 was raised at the Exchange Club Family Center fundraiser.

The event included a live auction with auctioneer Jeff Morris and a silent auction. Music was provided by the Earnestine & Hazel's Band and Otis Faithful.

Sasha and John Ennis Jr. and Pamela Hauber and Steve West were event co-chairs.

Mix-Odyssey

More than 200 people attended the fourth annual Mix-Odyssey, a Volunteer Odyssey fundraiser, held March 4 at BRIDGES.

Seven stations featured mixologists who served craft cocktails, which were paired with appetizers from Gourmade food truck.

"War of the Worlds," a drink crafted by Colby Jones of Catherine and Mary's, came in first place. The drink was made with 1 1/2 ounces of mint-infused Bacardi rum, five-tenths of an ounce of mezcal and one ounce of lime cordial. The drink also included smoked pineapple ice cubes and citric acid.

Aaron Hanna of Hog & Hominy came in second place with his "Byter Layter" cocktail (named after the Nick Drake album). "It's essentially a daiquiri," Aaron said. It's made of rum, mezcal, lime juice, a bit of cumin and a syrup Aaron made from bell pepper, celery and lemon peel. He garnished the drink with a cocktail onion.